Welcome to Graduate Tacoma's newsletter, sharing stories and news of this community-wide movement in action. As a valued member of the Graduate Tacoma network, you will receive newsletters like this one every two months, in addition to a periodic events round-up to help you stay connected to fellow advocates and resources that leverage your work.
Centering Youth in Local Government
“Most adults don’t see kids and teenagers as leaders. I want that to change,” says Stella Keating, the eighth grader who became the impetus for the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
Planning for a Career
As the Washington State Legislature considers raising the enrichment levy lid that will help plug a $30M budget shortfall for TPS, we are taking a look at some of the programs those levy dollars have funded in the past. Over the years, the Next Move internship has introduced hundreds of students to their future careers, like YMCA Youth Program Director Christian Isaac.
UPDATE | Tacoma Completes
We are thrilled to share the latest in a growing partnership with Degrees of Change. Announced in January, Tacoma Completes envisions a community-wide system of supports helping all Tacoma Public School college-goers to persist through college to graduation. Find out how we are rolling out the initiative.
Partner Spotlight: Kim Keith
Kim Keith joined the Out of School & Summer Learning Network just one week after becoming Executive Director of Hilltop Artists. She has since served on the review committee for Summer Access Funds, helped plan the Summer Learning Tour and more. In this Q&A, Kim shares what keeps her committed to increasing access to the arts for students.
Bridging Schools with Community
This winter the Tacoma College Support Network decided to no longer host College Bound Saturday. Now, Network members are hard at work meeting with all of Tacoma's high schools. Follow their listening tours as they hear directly from staff and faculty how they can elevate their efforts.
Rodney Raccoon: Special Delivery
Community Partner WayOut Kids uses music to engage children. They call it “edutaining” (education + entertaining). They have released music, videos, and even a TV show. Now their first book from the Rodney Raccoon series is available for your students.
Read Across America Day
 Join us on this community-wide day of reading! This Friday we will celebrate our love of books by sharing our favorite children's stories. Post a photo using the hashtag #ReadAcrossTacoma to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram on March 1 for the chance to win a special prize!
FEATURED EVENTS & RESOURCES
Winter ELO Symposium March 5 | 8AM | Tukwila Community Center
Community Impact Report Forum April 26 | 7:30AM | STAR Center
College Planning Toolkits | 2019 Sophomore & Junior kits now available!